At the end of 2011, Michael Sennott, the long-time Chair of our Board of Directors, presided over his last Board meeting. Michael’s vision and leadership have guided God’s Love in our phenomenal growth over the past decade. Fortunate for us, Michael will stay deeply involved in our future planning as he will continue as the Chair of our Expansion Campaign and as a member of our Chairman’s Council. We say a heartfelt thank you to Michael for everything he has accomplished during his tenure. His compassion for and commitment to what our organization can be has driven us to exceptional heights.

The Board is pleased to announce new officers: Scott Bruckner, Chair; Lisa Sherman and Blaine Trump, Vice-Chairs; Mark Lanspa, Treasurer; and, Michael Meagher, Secretary. Together, their passion for our mission, strategic focus and business savvy are exactly what we our organization needs for the future.

As we make these changes, say a special thank you to Jeff Krauss for his extraordinary leadership as Treasurer for over a decade. Jeff has been a steady captain of our financial health, and has helped set policies and procedures in place that have served us enormously well. Jeff’s passion for our mission is unparalleled, and we are lucky to have him remain on the Board.

We also salute three other outgoing Board members: Alan Levin, Jim Rottman and Sue Chalom. Alan has served as a member of the Board since 1998, and was Co- Chair for part of those years. His contributions to God’s Love are numerous, and we will miss him on the Board. So, too, for Jim and Sue whose life circumstances have made it impossible for them to continue their service going forward. Their energy and commitment to our mission will be definitely be missed.

Finally (drum roll please), the Board has elected four new members. We are particularly thrilled to have such a stellar group who will bring their many talents and expertise to advancing our mission. The new members include: Chris Lacovara, a long-time supporter of God’s Love, recently retired from a career as an investment banker and private equity investor and now embarking on a career in public interest law; Terrence Meck, the Executive Director of The Palette Fund, a private foundation that honors the legacy of his late partner Rand Harlan Skolnick through collaborative grant making and programs that promote Food as Medicine;  Laura Michalchyshyn, the President and General Manager of Planet Green and Discovery Fit & Health, and a regular delivery volunteer at God’s Love; and, Karen Naber, a former financial analyst at Murray Capital Management and The Seaport Group.

God’s Love is particularly fortunate to have such a vibrant and active Board of Directors. With such a committed and talented Board, staff and corps of volunteers, we look forward to a busy and productive year in 2012.